Rh negative

Rh negative

n

1. (Biochemistry) blood that does not contain the Rh factor

2. (Biochemistry) a person having such blood

Rh factor

(ˈɑrˈeɪtʃ) n.

any of a group of antigens on the surface of red blood cells, those having inherited such antigens being designated Rh + (Rh positive) and those lacking them, a much smaller group, being designated Rh− (Rh negative) : transfused or fetal Rh + blood may induce a severe reaction in an Rh− individual.

[1940–45; so called because first found in the blood of rhesus monkeys]

Supplies of the universal blood group O Rh negative are often in short supply as demand is so great, but a regular supply of all blood types is vital and rarer blood groups A Rh negative, B Rh negative and AB Rh negative are also at risk of running low.

NHS Blood and Transplant are appealing to donors who are O Rh negative (O-) and B Rh negative (B-) in England and North Wales to come forward following the drop in donations across all blood groups from the same period last year.

NHS Blood and Transplant are appealing to donors who are O Rh negative (O-) and B Rh negative (B-) in North Wales and England to come forward following the drop in donations across all blood groups from the same period last year.

The response we are getting to blood group type Rh negative is very low, particularly blood type O- is very important because in case a person is involved in an accident and needed operation or blood transfusion immediately, we have to begin giving O- first in order to save his or her life before concluding the laboratory check of the person's blood group type," the official said.

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